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Being a responsible doggy parent takes a great deal of commitment – and often times a great deal of expense. Not only does your furry best friend require your time and attention, he or she also needs regular veterinary care. Caring for a dog isn’t just about putting out food and providing shelter – it’s usually a 10 to 20 year commitment that includes vaccinations, medications, and other expenses, especially as your pup reaches her senior years.

Fortunately, there are simple preventative measures you can take that help cut your costly vet expenses, without sacrificing your dog’s well-being. In fact, by following these tips, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll help your dog live a healthier and happier life! You see, preventative care is the best way to keep your dog healthy as she ages.

So how does spaying or neutering save money on vet bills? Well the cost of this surgery is far less than the cost of raising litters of puppies and the cost of treating medical conditions like infections, cancers, or even injuries that may arise from unaltered dogs who escape their yards. Save even more money by searching for low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area!

2. Stay Current on Vaccines and Other Preventatives
If you stay on top of vaccines and parasite prevention, you’re much less likely to incur vet expenses down the road from illnesses that are easily preventable!

You shouldn’t wait for your dog to become infested with parasites. Instead, use flea and tick preventatives and, if you’re in an area of the country where mosquitos are a concern, use heartworm preventative, too. Call the animal control organization in your area or your veterinarian to inquire about low-cost vaccination options.

3. Practice Good Hygiene
Believe it or not, grooming and cleanliness can prevent infection. Start trimming your dog’s nails on a regular basis when he’s a puppy. Get a great pair of nail trimmers and get him used to having his paws handled at a young age so that the process is easy for both of you. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly or use dental cleaning water or food additives to keep your pup from developing plaque and gum disease. Use an ear cleaner or ear wipes to keep your dog’s ears clean and dry.

4. Provide and Excellent Diet and Adequate Exercise
Keep your dog at her ideal weight. More than half the dogs in the United States are either overweight or obese! Excess weight in your dog can lead to such health problems as Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, joint disorders, kidney disease, some forms of cancer, and decreased life expectancy. All of these issues can lead to costly vet bills. The best thing to do is keep your furkid at a healthy weight, and the best way to do that is through a healthy diet and daily mental and physical stimulation.

5. Dog-Proof Your House
Protect your pup from potential household hazards by taking certain precautions that could prevent costly emergency trips to the veterinarian. Store your medications in tightly closed containers. Keep chemicals like household cleaners out of her reach, make sure your dog doesn’t have access to chew on your electrical cords, and be sure you don’t have toxic plants in your home.

Remember, preventing an accident, illness, or disease is always more cost effective than treating one!